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When Shah Rukh Khan and MS Dhoni swapped roles for an ad: 'I just remember it was a laugh riot on set'

When Shah Rukh Khan and MS Dhoni swapped roles for an ad: 'I just remember it was a laugh riot on set'

TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in / Apr 5, 2025, 22:56 IST

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni showcased impressive acting skills in a 2007 advertisement alongside Shah Rukh Khan, where they swapped roles as cricketer and actor. The plot, reminiscent of classic Bollywood themes, featured separated brothers raised in different worlds. The shoot was filled with laughter, and Dhoni's natural acting talent was a delightful surprise for everyone.

When Shah Rukh Khan and MS Dhoni swapped roles for an ad: 'I just remember it was a laugh riot on set'

Everyone knows how talented Mahendra Singh Dhoni is on the cricket field with his bat. But what many people may not know is that the former Indian cricket team captain also has impressive acting skills.
The 2007 Ad That Surprised Everyone
A 2007 ad for an electronics brand showed Dhoni’s hidden talent. In the ad, he appeared with Shah Rukh Khan, and both were asked to swap roles—playing each other’s real-life roles on screen. It gave a fun glimpse into Dhoni’s surprising acting skills.
A Classic Bollywood-Inspired Plot

The main plot: Two brothers were separated in childhood. One was raised by a movie-loving family, the other by a cricket-obsessed one. The twist? Dhoni played the actor, while Shah Rukh took on the role of a cricketer—adding a fun and unexpected spin to the story.

Creators Sumanto Chattopadhyay, Sukesh Nayak, and Heeral Desai told ETBrandEquity that the entire shoot was full of fun and laughter, making it a joyful experience for everyone on set.
Team Effort Behind the Scenes
Sukesh Nayak recalled that the entire shoot was filled with laughter and fun. It wasn’t just Shah Rukh or Dhoni, but everyone on set shared light moments, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole team.
Dhoni’s Natural Acting Talent Shines Through
Sumanto Chattopadhyay shared that discovering Dhoni’s acting talent was a pleasant surprise for the team. Back then, Dhoni hadn’t appeared in many advertisements, so there were uncertainties about his performance. However, he impressed everyone with his natural acting skills.
Heeral Desai shared a similar view, recalling how Dhoni stood out as a star on the set. His impressive presence and performance may have even caught Shah Rukh Khan by surprise.

A Nod to Om Shanti Om
The ad was shot around the release of Om Shanti Om, Farah Khan’s film starring SRK. Since the movie’s soundtrack was already out, its songs were used in the ad. Interestingly, Dhoni’s character in the ad was also inspired by Shah Rukh’s role in the film.
According to Nayak, there were fun moments on set where Shah Rukh showed Dhoni how he’d perform certain dance moves, while Dhoni, in return, demonstrated his signature on-field gestures. Their exchange amused everyone present—from the costume and make-up crew to the director—adding a lively vibe to the shoot.

How the Idea Was Born
The makers were initially told to create a corporate film featuring Dhoni and SRK. During a brainstorming session, the team came up with the concept of role reversal. With Om Shanti Om about to release and both stars being hugely popular, the idea naturally fell into place.
Given that cricket and Bollywood are deeply cherished in India, the ad drew inspiration from both. It played on the classic Bollywood trope of two brothers separated in childhood, raised in very different worlds, and reuniting later—reminiscent of Amar Akbar Anthony. This familiar theme made it instantly relatable to Indian audiences.

About the Author

TOI Entertainment Desk

The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.

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